Data Sharing, Civic Engagement, and Technology Use in Local Government Agencies: Findings from a National Survey

This report presents findings from the 2016 national survey of local governments on public participation, technology use, data sharing, and work life as part of a long-term research study interested in understanding the relationships between technology and civic engagement in local governments sponsored by the Center for Science, Technology, and Environment Policy Studies (CSTEPS) at Arizona State University. The survey was administered to five lead administrators in 500 local governments where the government is of sufficient size and capacity to purchase and use technology for civic engagement. The survey was administered to individuals working in five positions: City Manager/City Administrator, Director of Community and/or Economic Development, Finance Director, Director of Parks and Recreation, and Deputy Police Chief. The final sample, adjusted for ineligibles, is 2166. The response rate can be calculated as 643/2166 (30%) for completed responses or 841/2166 (39%) if partials are included. This report draws from the statistical analysis of survey data and is organized into four sections: participation, utilization of technology, data sharing, and work life.